For anybody who missed it, here is a link to Mr McCallum's presentation from October.
Don't forget, the final parents' meeting before the trip is on Tuesday 28th January, at 19:00 in the Dining Centre at Lauderdale.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ewcgtywukve2qxa/JGHS%20SA2013%2010october13%20Parents%20presentation1.ppt
James Gillespie's High School in Edinburgh, Scotland is part of a long-term Global Citizenship project in partnership with Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools in Umlazi township, South Africa. Each year a group of staff and students from JGHS raise funds and collect donations to support the development of the South African schools and participate in an annual visit to Durban in February. This blog has been set up to help share news and information about the project.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
WANTED: Volunteers to help with a fundraising project for the soup kitchen at Dloko
Miss Gray is looking for volunteers to help make and sell a CD of the Dloko school choir to raise funds for the soup kitchen.
The CD was recorded in Durban earlier in the year at a professional recording studio who provided the studio time free of charge. The next part of the task is to design a CD cover, make copies and sell as many of these as possible!
If you would be interested in helping out with any aspects of this fundraising activity please see Miss Gray asap.
The CD was recorded in Durban earlier in the year at a professional recording studio who provided the studio time free of charge. The next part of the task is to design a CD cover, make copies and sell as many of these as possible!
If you would be interested in helping out with any aspects of this fundraising activity please see Miss Gray asap.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
St Andrew's Day
A big well done to the group who organised today's St Andrew's Day festivities. £315.50 was raised, bringing our grand total up to £613. Keep it up!
Thursday, 21 November 2013
S1 Halloween Party
The S1 Halloween Party raised £175 for the South Africa fund (£350 in total). Well done to those involved... not sure who enjoyed it more, the S1 or the S6!
Remember to let the staff know about any money you have raised so we can add this to the total.
Remember to let the staff know about any money you have raised so we can add this to the total.
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
St.Andrew's Day Fundraising Ceilidh
THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER at 7-10pm
This year’s South Africa Fundraising Ceilidh is
being held at the Bainfield Bowling and Social Club (Hutchison Crossway
just off of Gorgie/Balgreen Road) due to the school’s current decant.
All S5/6 pupils and parents and staff are welcome. Tickets are £5 and go on sale the week beginning 18th November. No tickets will be available on the night and entry will not be permitted to anyone who has not purchased
a ticket.
There will also be a raffle/bake sale as well as a chance to purchase artwork and other South Africa merchandise.
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Important meetings
Miss Gray's family group - you have to see her today (Thursday 31st) or tomorrow. You are running the bake sale at the S1 parents' evening next week. Please pass this on to anyone who doesn't see it!
School uniform group - join Miss Smith's Edmodo group (code :x2k7rb)
Fundraising group - each of you need to come up with at least 1 fundraising idea for next week. Meet with Mr Alexander and Miss Smith in W23 on Thursday 7th November to discuss fundraising targets and events, and to delegate roles and responsibilities.
School uniform group - join Miss Smith's Edmodo group (code :x2k7rb)
Fundraising group - each of you need to come up with at least 1 fundraising idea for next week. Meet with Mr Alexander and Miss Smith in W23 on Thursday 7th November to discuss fundraising targets and events, and to delegate roles and responsibilities.
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Jabulani Project Contact Details
Following on from Isaac's talk today, he asked me to share the contact details for the Jabulani Project with everyone.
jabulaniproject.org
Facebook.com/jabulaniproject
Twitter.com/jabulaniproject
He also asked that if anyone has any questions about any aspect of their work in South Africa, or his experiences of the JGHS trip, you can email him at: ansellforsyth (at) gmail.com
jabulaniproject.org
Facebook.com/jabulaniproject
Twitter.com/jabulaniproject
He also asked that if anyone has any questions about any aspect of their work in South Africa, or his experiences of the JGHS trip, you can email him at: ansellforsyth (at) gmail.com
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
South Africa Project Twitter
In addition to this blog, you can now find news, events and other updates on the South Africa project's Twitter account. This will also enable us to post more regular updates during the trip in February, as writing full updates on the blog is not always possible.
Follow us here - https://twitter.com/JGHSSouthAfrica
Follow us here - https://twitter.com/JGHSSouthAfrica
Information Evening
Parents of any pupil taking part in the South Africa project this year are invited to an information evening, during which the staff will share more details about the trip and answer any questions.
This will take place on Thursday 10th October at 18:30 in the dining hall, located in the temporary units in the Lauderdale Street campus. We look forward to seeing you all there!
This will take place on Thursday 10th October at 18:30 in the dining hall, located in the temporary units in the Lauderdale Street campus. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Clothing donations
As we start the new school year, we'd like to take the opportunity to remind pupils, parents and teachers that this is the perfect time of year to find great deals on school clothing.
There will be a group organising donations throughout the year, but now is the time to take advantage of all the "back to school" deals in the shops. It's a great opportunity to provide quality clothes for the pupils we work with in South Africa.
Please pick up an extra shirt, pair of shoes or other school clothes if you can. Details of how donations will be collected will be shared as soon as possible.
Thanks.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Running to raise funds
Miss Gray and Mr Adam are planning on entering some races in order to raise funds for the 2013/14 South Africa project. They are looking for interested pupils and parents to join them. It's a great opportunity to raise a lot of money for the project, and to get some exercise as well!
If you or your parents are interested, get in touch with either of the staff as soon as you can.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Photos and videos - South Africa 2013
Dear all,
I've had numerous requests for access to the thousands of photographs and videos we took whilst away in South Africa. Unfortunately, things are never that simple! I've started to upload some to dropbox, although it takes a very long time and I only have 2gb of space to use (despite 40gb of photos/videos).
You should be able to gain access to these through this link:
I would encourage all others to do the same and sign up with dropbox. You can post me any links to specific folders you wish to share under the comments of this post so everyone can have access to your photos/videos etc.
I'm currently uploading a highlight video that should be available by the end of today. You should be able to view it using the link above. I will continue to upload more photos when I have time :-)
Thanks
Mr. Carstairs
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Review Meeting and Clothing Request
On Wednesday 20th March, from 18:30 - 20:00 we will be holding a review meeting in the Assembly Hall for pupils and parents. Presentations will be given of experiences had by all during this years South Africa trip. Food and drink will also be available.
As our South African visitors arrive on Monday (11th March), can we ask that if anyone has any warm clothes they are willing to donate, be it just for the week or permanently, that they please see Mr. McCallum ASAP. Needless to say the South Africans will not have experienced the impending cold that awaits them! Any jackets or warm jumpers would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
As our South African visitors arrive on Monday (11th March), can we ask that if anyone has any warm clothes they are willing to donate, be it just for the week or permanently, that they please see Mr. McCallum ASAP. Needless to say the South Africans will not have experienced the impending cold that awaits them! Any jackets or warm jumpers would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Monday, 4 March 2013
Our South African Visitors.
Dear all,
The teachers
and students from South
Africa arrive on Monday 11th
March. They land at Glasgow Airport
at 11.30am. They will be here until the
19th March when they leave from Glasgow at 8.45pm.
I am looking
for some “hosting” volunteers on the 11th – 19th March so that we
have enough people willing to host the 4 young people for 2/3 nights and for
the duration of their stay.
The students
will attend school every day and will be involved in every Diversecity
performance. On other days they will be
requiring breakfast and dinner, although the students often organise outings
together and we will supply an itinerary after the students who are going /
have just returned from South
Africa meet to organise this.
I know this
is a big ask but these children are always delightful and it is a good
opportunity for those students who are going to South Africa next February or
those who have just returned to link with someone from our partner
schools. It is often a good idea for two
friends to share the hosting.
The pupils
from Zwelibanzi are Mnotho and Angel.
The pupils
from Dloko are Mle and Londy.
I would be
grateful if you could let me know if you would be willing to participate and
which dates you would be able to host a pupil, by returning the tear off slip
from the downloadable link below:
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Neil
McCallum
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Adapters!
Can those who borrowed socket adapters for South Africa 2013 please return them to Mr. McCallum. If anyone bought their own and no longer have use for them, feel free to donate. They can be used with future trips. Again, hand them in to Mr. McCallum.
Thanks!
Monday, 25 February 2013
'Nothing will prepare you for the experience'
Six years at Gillespie's builds up to South Africa. Constant fundraisers throughout the year remind you of the importance of the project. However, no matter how many pictures, stories or video clips you see, nothing will prepare you for the experience of going yourself. You will have no idea of the difference the project makes until you are able to see it in person. Although I have seen videos of the greeting you get in the arrivals of Durban Airport, the intensity of their voices cannot be put across.
I always knew that the students at both Dloko and Zwelibanzi were far from privileged but taking a walk around the township truly showed how little some of these students came from, yet they come to school everyday in pristine uniforms, ready to learn and better their lives. The hope of becoming a doctor, a lawyer or a police officer drives them towards this. It is inspiring and it makes you realise how selfish you are every time you miss class because you can't be bothered.
It is personal stories that truly brings home the importance of the project. A man who was part of the project 10 years ago told us himself that without Gillespie's he wouldn't be where he is now. The gratitude that is both spoken and unspoken is overwhelming.
Emma Hoskins
'Absolutely loved it'
South Africa 2013 was undoubtedly the time of my life so far. The people I met and the things I saw in Zwelibanzi, Dloko, Charles Memorial and the Sisco Project were unforgettable. Even the staff working in the restaurants and many locals we simply talked to about us being there, were so kind and welcoming and treated us like one of their family. Before I went I was kind of sceptical about how well I would get on with people I had never met, but from the moment I stopped to talk to them I was at ease due to how unbelievably friendly they were, and how keen they were to make friends and chat to you. It's amazing how people that have so little can be so positive and happy. They are so much more focussed than us, without the support and attention that we get from school and our parents. It was really unforgettable. I absolutely loved it.
Ethan Gillies-Denning
Ethan Gillies-Denning
Better late than never!
It's bizarre to think that a week ago we were returning from South Africa. The trip was absolutely fantastic and the pupils were a credit to James Gillespie's High School. Things are now getting back to normality and this is the first opportunity I've had to post.
I'm aware that there was a lack of communication whilst we were away. Unfortunately this was down to time restrictions and an horrendous WiFi setup in our hotel. Some pupils began writing pieces but didn't manage to get them finished.
Now that the trip is over, it doesn't mean our experiences can't be shared. If anyone who was on the trip would like to write about anything that was significant to them, please do. You can hand it to me (Mr. Carstairs) on paper or via USB and I'll get it up on the blog.
Similarly, I'm still looking for any photos and particularly videos from the trip that you may have. These can be used to promote the trip with the younger year groups and give you something to help reflect on your time away. Again, if you could bring these to the PE department on USB or SD card, I can copy them to the school hard drive.
Once all the photos have been collated, I'll look in to making them accessible for everyone.
Thanks
Mr. Carstairs
PE Dept.
I'm aware that there was a lack of communication whilst we were away. Unfortunately this was down to time restrictions and an horrendous WiFi setup in our hotel. Some pupils began writing pieces but didn't manage to get them finished.
Now that the trip is over, it doesn't mean our experiences can't be shared. If anyone who was on the trip would like to write about anything that was significant to them, please do. You can hand it to me (Mr. Carstairs) on paper or via USB and I'll get it up on the blog.
Similarly, I'm still looking for any photos and particularly videos from the trip that you may have. These can be used to promote the trip with the younger year groups and give you something to help reflect on your time away. Again, if you could bring these to the PE department on USB or SD card, I can copy them to the school hard drive.
Once all the photos have been collated, I'll look in to making them accessible for everyone.
Thanks
Mr. Carstairs
PE Dept.
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Arrived Safely!
So, after 12,000 miles worth of travelling we have arrived safely in Durban! The flights were very comfortable and the organisation between airports was incredibly smooth. A moment of slight hysteria hit us at Glasgow Airport as Charlotte Briggs spied her childhood heroes 'Sam and Mark'. No lack of confidence from the Gillespie's pupils in approaching said heroes!
We received a remarkable welcome from pupils of the Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools who had drawn a huge crowd with their singing and dancing in the main concourse of Durban Airport. Our pupils responded in kind with a can-dance, highland dance and rendition of 'Flower of Scotland'.
After a brief 'meet & greet', we travelled to the 'Beach Hotel' on the beach front. Now that we've settled in, Saturday consists of sorting through all the donations we brought over, a venture down the beach and spending time with the Sisco street kids project, then dinner along the harbour at Zack's tonight.
The pupils have been fantastic and a real credit to the school. By the standards set so far, this is going to be an amazing week.
More updates to follow.
We received a remarkable welcome from pupils of the Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools who had drawn a huge crowd with their singing and dancing in the main concourse of Durban Airport. Our pupils responded in kind with a can-dance, highland dance and rendition of 'Flower of Scotland'.
After a brief 'meet & greet', we travelled to the 'Beach Hotel' on the beach front. Now that we've settled in, Saturday consists of sorting through all the donations we brought over, a venture down the beach and spending time with the Sisco street kids project, then dinner along the harbour at Zack's tonight.
The pupils have been fantastic and a real credit to the school. By the standards set so far, this is going to be an amazing week.
More updates to follow.
Monday, 4 February 2013
South Africa 2014 Parents' Information
Here is the presentation used by Mr McCallum to give information about next year's South Africa trip. >>>Download Link<<<
Thursday, 31 January 2013
South Africa Itinerary
ITINERARY
SOUTH AFRICA
7 - 18 February 2013
Emirates Flights (via Dubai)
7 February Glasgow / Dubai 2045
0815 EK 26
8 February Dubai / Durban 1025 1710 EK 775
8 February Dubai / Durban 1025 1710 EK 775
17 February Durban / Dubai 1840 0525 EK776
18 February Dubai / Glasgow 0730 1130 EK27
18 February Dubai / Glasgow 0730 1130 EK27
Thursday 7th February
|
15:00 Assemble
at JGHS
16:00 Coach
to Glasgow Airport (Charlie Irons Coaches)
20:45 Flights
departs Glasgow – Dubai (EK26)
|
Friday 8th February
|
08:15 Arrive
Dubai (EK 26)
10:25 Depart
Dubai (EK
775)
17:10 Arrive
Durban (EK
775)
PM Beach Hotel (Snack Menu)
|
Saturday 9th February
|
AM
World Cup Football Stadium
PM Street Kids
Dinner Zacks Wilsons Wharf
|
Sunday 10th February
|
AM/PM Tala
Game Reserve
Dinner Havanna Grill
|
Monday 11th February
|
AM
Zwelibanzi / Dloko
PM
Zwelibanzi / Dloko
Dinner Hemmingways
|
Tuesday 12th February
|
AM Zwelibanzi
/ Dloko
PM Zwelibanzi
/ Dloko
Dinner Max’s
Restaurant
|
Wednesday 13th February
|
AM/PM Charles
Memorial
Dinner Zacks North Beach
|
Thursday 14th February
|
AM Dloko
/ Zwelibanzi
PM Dloko
/ Zwelibanzi
Dinner Havanna Grill
|
Friday 15th February
|
AM Dloko
/ Zwelibanzi
PM Dloko
/ Zwelibanzi
Dinner Hemmingways
|
Saturday 16th February
|
AM Essenwood Market / Victoria Market / Warwick Street
Market
PM Umshlanga
Beach or North Beach
Dinner Moyo
|
Sunday 17th February
|
AM Breakfast
/ packing
PM Depart
for Airport / Late Lunch @ Airport
18:40 Flight
departs Durban
(EK 776)
|
Monday 18th February
|
05:25 Arrive
Dubai (EK
776)
07:30 Depart
Dubai (EK 27)
11:30 Arrive
Glasgow Airport
15:00 Approx.
arrival at JGHS
|
Please note that Mrs. Sinclair has 'mini' copies that were requested by parents. Students can pick these up from her office.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Words for 'Flower of Scotland'
Words for 'Flower of Scotland'
O flower of Scotland
When will we see your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are passed now
And in the past they must remain
But we can still rise now
And be the nation again
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
When will we see your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are passed now
And in the past they must remain
But we can still rise now
And be the nation again
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
South Africa 2013
For the South Africa Project this year, we have organised a sub-group with the aim of collecting clothing for the children in the two high schools we are visiting. From previous experiences taking prom dresses and football tops, in addition to packs of school clothes, has been very well received. We are asking for donations of any prom style dresses or football tops from ages 14 upwards. The clothes would preferably be in good condition. In terms of football tops, any team from any league or country would be suitable. Can all donation please be handed into Miss McCartan or Miss Gray in science.
Thank you
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Water Bottles
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All pupils should bring with them a good quality, 1 litre water bottle - NOT a basic plastic water bottle.
With the heat the pupils will be working in and the duration they will be out and about, the quality and size of the water bottle is very important. Some pupils in the past have brought water bottles with built in filters too.
Thank you.
Tupperware Donations
We are looking for tupperware donations to donate to the Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools in support of their ever developing soup kitchens.
The tupperware can be of various sizes but should be durable enough to last a while (as opposed to small take-away dishes).
If you would like to give tupperware to help our cause, please drop any donations in at the school office addressed to Mr. McCallum or ask a pupil to give to their family leader.
Thank you.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Clothing Group Notice
The Clothing group are appealing for donations of school clothing to take across for the children at Charles Memorial. We would really appreciate donations of:
School shirts (preferably white)
School skirts/trousers (preferably Navy blue)
Pants
Socks
Vests
Black shoes or plimsolls
Gym bags (to package clothes into)
Small toys
All of clothing items is required in sizes from age 3 up to age 11, but particularly the smaller sizes.
Many thanks
School shirts (preferably white)
School skirts/trousers (preferably Navy blue)
Pants
Socks
Vests
Black shoes or plimsolls
Gym bags (to package clothes into)
Small toys
All of clothing items is required in sizes from age 3 up to age 11, but particularly the smaller sizes.
Many thanks
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Pencil Case Collection
Dear Parent/Guardian
Every year a group of S6 students from James Gillespie's High School go to South Africa to visit and help in Dloko High School, Zwelibanzi High School and Charles Memorial Primary School. The children in these schools live in poverty and suffer from a severe lack of food and education so JGHS carry out projects such as setting up a sustainable soup kitchen and setting up a Library. One of our projects this year is a 'Pencil Case Appeal' which we would be delighted if you and your child would take part in. The pencil cases would give the children the equipment they need to support their education for at least a year.
So it would be greatly appreciated if you could pack a pencil case (or more than one!) and hand them in to the school office for Friday 1st February.
Pencil Cases should include;
3 writing pencils
3 pens
A handful of coloured pens/pencils
A ruler
An eraser
A pencil sharpener
A note - if your child wishes they can incorporate a short note saying a bit about themselves but please keep them short, simple and appropriate as the children in Charles Memorial Primary School don't speak much English.
We hope you will help us with our project,
many thanks in advance,
The JGHS clothing committee.
Every year a group of S6 students from James Gillespie's High School go to South Africa to visit and help in Dloko High School, Zwelibanzi High School and Charles Memorial Primary School. The children in these schools live in poverty and suffer from a severe lack of food and education so JGHS carry out projects such as setting up a sustainable soup kitchen and setting up a Library. One of our projects this year is a 'Pencil Case Appeal' which we would be delighted if you and your child would take part in. The pencil cases would give the children the equipment they need to support their education for at least a year.
So it would be greatly appreciated if you could pack a pencil case (or more than one!) and hand them in to the school office for Friday 1st February.
Pencil Cases should include;
3 writing pencils
3 pens
A handful of coloured pens/pencils
A ruler
An eraser
A pencil sharpener
A note - if your child wishes they can incorporate a short note saying a bit about themselves but please keep them short, simple and appropriate as the children in Charles Memorial Primary School don't speak much English.
We hope you will help us with our project,
many thanks in advance,
The JGHS clothing committee.
Final countdown
Attention all pupils and parents! Here is a message you should have received in a letter from Mr McCallum recently.
"The trip is now almost up on us and with the prelims to come prior to the trip, I would wish to have one final meeting with you to share the final arrangements with you.
"The trip is now almost up on us and with the prelims to come prior to the trip, I would wish to have one final meeting with you to share the final arrangements with you.
I would be grateful if you could attend a meeting on
Thursday 24th January 2013 at 6-7pm in the Assembly Hall. This will be the last opportunity for the parent body to meet with the staff of the trip prior to departure.
I would be grateful that if you or your son / daughter are unable to attend the meeting that you could
let me know, so that I can ensure you receive the relevant information ASAP after the meeting."
Below you can find a copy of the itinerary for the trip:
Thursday 7th February
|
15:00 Assemble at JGHS
16:00 Coach to Glasgow Airport (Charlie Irons Coaches)
20:45 Flights departs Glasgow – Dubai (EK26)
|
Friday 8th February
|
08:15 Arrive Dubai (EK 28) is this the right time?
10:25 Depart Dubai (EK 775)
17:05 Arrive Durban (EK 775)
PM Beach Hotel (Snack Menu)
|
Saturday 9th February
|
AM/PM Shongweni Game Park (Lunch provided at Game Park)
Dinner Zacks Wilsons Wharf
|
Sunday 10th February
|
AM Visit to World cup football stadium
PM Visit to either North Beach or Umshlanga beach
Dinner Havanna Grill
|
Monday 11th February
|
AM Zwelibanzi / Dloko
PM Zwelibanzi / Dloko
Dinner Hemmingways
|
Tuesday 12th February
|
AM Zwelibanzi / Dloko
PM Zwelibanzi / Dloko
Dinner Max’s Restaurant
|
Wednesday 13th February
|
AM/PM Charles Memorial
Dinner Zacks North Beach
Football (TBC)
|
Thursday 14th February
|
AM Dloko / Zwelibanzi
PM Dloko / Zwelibanzi
Dinner Havanna Grill
|
Friday 15th February
|
AM Dloko / Zwelibanzi
PM Dloko / Zwelibanzi
Dinner Hemmingways
|
Saturday 16th February
|
AM Essenwood Market / Victoria Market / Warwick Street Market
PM Umshlanga Beach
Dinner Moyo
|
Sunday 17th February
|
AM Breakfast / packing
PM Depart for Airport / Late Lunch @ Airport
18:45 Flight departs Durban (EK 776)
|
Monday 18th February
|
05:25 Arrive Dubai (EK 776)
07:30 Depart Dubai (EK 27)
11:30 Arrive Glasgow Airport
15:00 Approx. arrival at JGHS
|
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